Arbor Day Foundation Names Franklin Lakes Tree City USA

Franklin Lakes was recently named a 2022 Tree City USA® by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. Franklin Lakes achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements:

• a tree board or department - the Borough's Shade Tree Commission;
• a tree care ordinance;
• an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita; and
• an Arbor Day observance and Proclamation.

"Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand," said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The trees being planted and cared for by Franklin Lakes are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

Franklin Lakes Shade Tree Commission Chairman Michael Tulp summarized what the Tree City USA designation means to the Franklin Lakes community:

"This year we again celebrate the Borough's qualification for the prestigious Tree City USA award. The Shade Tree Commission is dedicated to the preservation of the Borough's precious tree inventory. Trees play an enormous role in the well-being of our local environment and, in fact, they also have a positive economic impact on our community. This year marks the 15th consecutive year that our Borough has qualified for the award. Of note is that Franklin Lakes is only one of 154 municipalities (out of a total of 565 municipalities) in New Jersey that has been awarded this designation. The achievement has been made through the dedication of our volunteer Shade Tree Commissioners: Marion Mahn, Donna Robinson, Mary McBride, Michael Kolenut and Richard Re. The Shade Tree Commission also would like to acknowledge the enthusiastic support from Mayor Charles Kahwaty as well as the Borough Council. This year the Mayor and Council approved a new tree ordinance which aims at conserving the Borough's tree inventory for future generations of residents. The new ordinance provides stricter rules and property owners are advised to apply for approval for a tree cutting permit before removing any trees larger than 7 inches in diameter.”

If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and protection from extreme heat and flooding. The Arbor Day Foundation recently launched the Time for Trees initiative to address these issues, with unprecedented goals of planting 100 million trees in forests and communities and inspiring 5 million tree planters by 2022. With Tree City USA recognition, Franklin Lakes has demonstrated a commitment to effective urban forest management and doing its part to help address these challenges for Franklin Lakes' residents now and in the future.